Life Lately: July Update

Whoa, July flew by even faster than June. It’s the end of the month and that means it’s time for a Life Lately Update! If you’re new to this little series of mine, Life Lately is just a simple update of what’s going on in my world each month – things that I’m loving, stuff I’m excited about, that sort of thing. If you want to get an in-depth look into what’s going on in my head, then feel free to check it out below 🙂

I’m finally winding down after two jam-packed weeks of catch up after my play at the theater ended (BTW I SURVIVED, PEOPLE! I DID IT AND I DIDN’T THROW UP OR FORGET MY LINES OR TRIP ONSTAGE!). I neglected a lot of work while I was rehearsing so it’s basically been non-stop work and trying to make sure I’m on top of things. Last weekend marked the end of that catch up, and I got to celebrate by hanging out with some family members that I haven’t seen in a while!

Somehow I always end up being the one who holds the selfie stick for group photos haha..

It was a lot of fun to hang out with the fam! Now I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest of the summer and working on some special projects that I have in mind (both personal and for the blog). It’s nice to have my schedule more free again 🙂

What I’m Reading:

Yeeaaaaahhh… I’m still reading the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. I’m now on book 8, Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. Once it’s over I will cry and be depressed until book 9 comes out, which is TBD, so it could be a long wait. *tears* So next up on my reading list will be Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store – I bought this book a while back when I went to Powell’s in Portland (best bookstore INTHEWORLD, BTW) and I’ve been meaning to read it!

What I’m Binge-Watching:

I’m still watching Supernatural while I’m working on blog posts or software coding. I’m into season 4 now (out of 11?) so I’ve got a long way to go yet, but I like paranormal stuff, so it’s pretty entertaining. Hubby and I have also started watching Mad Men (I know, I know, it seems like we are late to the game for every popular TV show) and we really like it. Which is so interesting to me, because all of the characters are so unlikeable – no one has morality, no one is really the “good guy” so it makes for an interesting watch.

What I’m Creating: 

I’ve been charged by my sisters to make some car window decals for their respective vehicles. One sister wants either a wolf or a great dane (to show her love for her giant doggies) and the other wants a mermaid (because she basically is one) so I’ll be working on those soon using my Silhouette machine. Other than that, I’ll just be creating awesome crafts and home decor for the blog!

What I’m Needing: 

A vacation? I’ve spent the past couple weeks catching up on ALLTHETHINGS after my play at the theater closed. Now that I’ve burned the midnight oil trying to get caught up on blog things, other job things, life things, wife things, friend things, etc. I’m feeling a little bit burned out. A lovely vacation (ideally on a tropical beach, amIright??) would be awesome, but I’d also just settle for a staycation at home or somewhere close by where I can enjoy peace, quiet, and the sun 🙂

What I’m Listening to: 

Okay, I’m going to let you guys in on a little secret. I love classical music. Yep, that’s right, classical Bach/Beethoven/Tchaikovsky/Debussy classical music. I don’t know, it just speaks to me. And considering I played flute in a wind ensemble for about 6 years of my life, I just have an affinity for lovely, beautiful, inspiring, heartbreaking, gorgeous instrumental music. So sometimes I put on the classical radio station while I’m working because it helps me focus and makes me happy 🙂

What I’m Wearing: 

It’s summa tiimmmmeee, and the livin’s easy.  It’s actually been crap weather here for most of the summer (like 50 degrees and raining, WTH) but now the sun is finally starting to show it’s pretty face! When it decides to be nice I love wearing light summer clothes, particularly lots of skirts and dresses! I also basically live in yoga capris and tank tops during the day. Comfy + cool is the way to go.

What I’m Dreaming about: 

I’m dreaming about my novel. Last weekend I got to have some alone time and I’ve started brainstorming ideas and plot points for my eventual book. It was fun to dream about characters and scenarios and I can’t wait to get started on the actual writing!

What I’m Excited For:

I’m excited to plan our Scotland trip that we hope to take next year!! 🙂 I’ve been pining for Scotland for a long time and I’m stoked to make that dream a reality! I’m also excited to spend more time outside now that the weather is *finally* nice. Yay sun! I’m thinking I need to buy me a hammock and some fun outdoor games (bocce ball, anyone?) so I can lounge and play the summer away.

What I’m Worried about:

The past few months have been full of anxiety, stress, and worry, but I’m happy to say now that I’m pretty much stress free! There are a few things here and there that I fret about, but I’m basically happy and content and not worried at all. What a wonderful feeling!

What I’m Learning:

I’m learning that I need to make the time and effort to really go after my dreams if I ever want to achieve them. I know that sounds pretty obvious, but it’s so easy for me to just stay in “dream mode” and then not actually perform any actions to get there. I’m learning, and forcing myself, to set goals, stay on track, and hopefully my dreams will become reality 🙂 Also, I’ve been learning a bit more about my personality type (I’m an INFJ) and it’s super fascinating. You can learn more about your own personality HERE!

What I’m Loving: 

Quiet moments. With all the hustle and bustle lately it’s been a bit draining, especially since I’m an introvert. It’s been really nice to have peaceful pockets sprinkled throughout my week to take the time to read a book, color, or simply just sit and think. Ahhh, yes. Just what my little introverted-lovin’ heart needs 🙂

What’s been going on in your life lately?